The thought comforted her at the same time it agitated her spirits further. All her senses heightened, sensing the danger in it, in him. Too often was she reminded of the man he was, with every servant of Morency shrinking from his gaze as though from the devil himself. Even if she scorned such fears, there was no denying he was King Edward’s creature through and through. No matter what sins Lord Aymer had committed, he had loved Ranulf well, and trusted him – and paid for it with his life.

Gradually she became aware that someone was calling to her, coming toward her through the trees. She folded the unused page and slipped it back into the box with a snort. Davydd approached, and with him was a figure from what felt like a lifetime ago.

“Gwyn!” She felt her smile spread wide, and quickly turned her face down to conceal it. She wanted to leap at him and embrace him, an untrammeled joy that was too eager, too unbecoming of a commander or a dignified lady.

She composed herself and raised her eyes, only to find that Gwyn had sunk in a deep bow to her. It confused her that he was so formal, until she remembered her fine gown, and who she was now.

“Rise and tell me, kinsmen, how you are here. Did you not travel to Ruardean as I bade you?”

He nodded, rising. “Aye, my lady, and with all haste. There and back to Windsor at Lady Eluned’s command, where they told us you were to be found here, and so we are come.”

He was spattered with the mud and dirt of his journey, and covered over with weariness.

“You are come fully three days before ever I thought you might reach us. Tell me what message from my mother must be sent with such speed as this?”

“No message, Pennaeth Du, but the lady herself.”

Gwenllian could only stare at him, uncomprehending.

“Which... which lady?”

Gwyn and Davydd looked at each other and in their awkwardness she finally allowed herself to understand. Still she was numb.

“The Lady Eluned. Yes,” she said, answering a question that had not been asked. She wanted to shake her head in disbelief, but she was paralyzed. Her mother. Here. At Morency. What should be done first? “Yes, send for my lord. He will want to give her proper greeting when she arrives.”

Gwyn’s look of amazement could not be mistaken. She allowed herself to wonder if it was because she spoke the words my lord so comfortably, or that he doubted whether the lord in question would be so eager to meet Eluned again. But respect must be accorded to so important a guest, and it must be done correctly. She must speak to Hugh Wisbech about rooms for the party, and preparing a fitting feast for them all.